2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Exhaust system1.7× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  16% All 2006 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Suspension arm2.5× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  7.6% All 2006 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Washers2.1× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  8.1% All 2006 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 3.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Brake lights1.6× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  9.4% All 2006 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 4.7% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.5× usual
  SEAT Ibiza

  5.5% All 2006 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

Common 2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  40% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 SEAT Ibiza petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?